After three seasons streaming on Hulu, the award-winning, Emmy-nominated FX television series “Reservation Dogs” came to a conclusion with the airing of its final episode on September 27, 2023. A groundbreaking achievement in Indigenous representation, the series was not only a game changer for the global television industry, but as the first major scripted television series to film its entirety in Oklahoma, “Reservation Dogs” has contributed significantly to both the economic impact of the state’s film and television industry as well as the professional development of the state’s film workforce.
“We knew that we could bring a show to Oklahoma and that our crew and local businesses would thrive from it. Shooting ‘Reservation Dogs’ exceeded all those expectations. I can’t wait to start the next one,” said Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of the hit series.
From the pilot episode to the series finale, “Reservation Dogs” is estimated to have had an economic impact of nearly $50 million in local spending throughout its three-season, 28-episode run. Additionally, the series created over 480 local career opportunities for the state’s camera-ready workforce, not including the numerous on-screen opportunities for actors and background talent.
“On behalf of the State of Oklahoma, we’re grateful to have hosted three successful seasons of ‘Reservation Dogs’ alongside the support of our tribal and community leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. “This series was a breakthrough on multiple levels, yielding tremendous economic and workforce opportunities for Oklahoma. ‘Reservation Dogs’ is a golden example of what can be accomplished when we play to our strengths and invest in our local film and television industry.”
“Reservation Dogs” would not have been produced in Oklahoma had it not been for the valiant efforts of co-creator and showrunner Sterlin Harjo, a native Oklahoman of Seminole and Muscogee descent, who championed filming the series in his own backyard. Production on the pilot episode of “Reservation Dogs” first began on September 6, 2020, after which the FX Network quickly picked the series up for a full season. Utilizing the state’s film incentive program, “Reservation Dogs” was filmed on-location throughout Northeast Oklahoma, primarily in the communities of Okmulgee and Tulsa with additional filming in Beggs, Inola, Terlton, Sand Springs and Claremore, among others. Additionally, a number of Oklahoma musicians were featured throughout “Reservation Dogs,” including local talents such as Mike Bone, Samantha Crain, Wanda Jackson, John Fullbright, JD McPherson, Jacob Tovar, Turnpike Troubadours, LABRYS and more.
“Having ‘Reservation Dogs’ film in our region has been incredible – from uplifting Indigenous voices and local talent to bolstering our state’s rapidly growing film industry,” said Executive Director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture Meg Gould. “Season 3 has been a joy from production to release, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of ‘Reservation Dogs’ as the cast and crew draw from their experience on this show throughout their careers. Congratulations to Sterlin Harjo and all involved on such a successful series.”
“Our experience with hosting ‘Reservation Dogs’ these past few years has been nothing but a positive thing for our community,” said Okmulgee Main Street Director Heather Sumner, who also serves as the OF+MO Film Friendly Community Program Liaison. “The economic impact that the show has had on our small Oklahoma community is immeasurable. We were sad to find out it was the last season because they became part of our community, but we look forward to working with the production team as well as the Oklahoma Film + Music Office on future projects.”
For more information on “Reservation Dogs” or to stream the series, visit hulu.com/series/reservation-dogs.
To listen to Oklahoma artists featured in seasons 1, 2 and 3 visit https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/reservation-dogs/music/season-1.
For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s incentive program, visit okfilmmusic.org.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
